News from the America's Cup, the Olympic sailing circuit, and the wider world of yacht racing

Wednesday, 20 June 2007

SUI 100 is the Weapon of Choice

So Alinghi have selected SUI 100 as their weapon of choice. Speaking to part of the Kiwis' design team Marcelino Botin earlier today, he sees SUI 100 as more 'downrange' compared with SUI 91.

Also, although most pundits reckon the Swiss boats are a bit beamier than NZL 92, but the Spanish designer (with a South African accent picked up from his business sidekick Shaun Carkeek) believes otherwise. "Our boat might be a bit narrower at deck level, but I think the Alinghi boats might be even with ours at waterline, or maybe narrower." In any case, he sees Alinghi as potent package whatever the weather.

SailingTalk.com: How do you rate the competition? What are their strengths?

Dean Phipps: New Zealanders are passionate about sailing, and the guys on Emirates are great sailors. We respect them, we’ve sailed round the world with half of them, we’re looking forward to the challenge. The crew work has been flawless, Dean is starting really well, and he’s got stronger since Adam [Beashel] came on board; it looks like he’s just gelled the whole back of the boat together. They’re going to be a tough nut to crack.

About the SailJuice blogger

As a professional sailing journalist, over the past few years I’ve reported on many of the sailing ‘Majors’, including the Cup, the Olympic circuit, the Volvo, the Vendée, and offshore classics like the Rolex Sydney Hobart and Fastnet Races. You might also want to sign up to my subscription newsletter where I interview some of the world’s greatest sailors. You’ll find it at www.sailjuice.com, where it says Tip of the Week...